Get a 25-inch LCD HDTV for $179.99 shipped
Whether you're looking for a big-screen monitor for your desk or decent-size TV for your den or bedroom, this Hannspree model is the deal to beat.
It's been a while since my last "oh my god can you believe how cheap monitors have gotten?!" post, and today's deal definitely fits the mold. (Huh. Deja vu. Oh, right, yesterday.)
While supplies last, TigerDirect has the Hannspree ST259MUB 25-inch LCD HDTV for $179.99. Shipping adds $12.65.
Given this low-end price, you might be expecting a low-end display. Nuh-uh. The ST259MUB is pretty packed with features, most notably its 1,920x1,080-pixel native resolution, 2ms response time, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and a pair of HDMI inputs. (It also has a VGA input if you want to connect it to a PC that lacks HDMI-out.)
I especially like the front-facing 10-watt speaker panel. A lot of smaller HDTVs have down- or even back-facing speakers, resulting in absolutely terrible sound. I'm also glad to see a set of control buttons on the side; some other TVs lack physical controls, meaning if you lose the remote, you're hosed.
Another nice perk: the ST259MUB has a built-in USB port, great for plugging in a flash drive and watching photo slideshows.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this HDTV is the 100-plus user reviews, which average out to 4.6 stars out of 5. Bottom line: with rare exception, everybody loves this thing.
Kinda makes me wish I hadn't paid the same price for a 22-inch Vizio less than a year ago. Ah, well, that's the nature of deals, right? There's always a better one just around the corner. (Depressing, but true.)
Bonus deal: From now through Sunday, October 23, my beloved CNET overlords have partnered with Willoughbys.com to offer this exclusive (and suh-weet) deal: a Sony Alpha NEX-3 camera bundle for $549.95 shipped. (That's what Sony charges for the camera alone.) The bundle includes two lenses, a 16GB memory card, a camera case, an HDMI cable, and various other camera goodies. Regular price: $749.95.